Chapter 6:The first step beyond flesh

The air changed the moment they stepped through the arched doors of the lower sanctum.

A slow hush fell over the 12 selected students as they entered the Cultivation Wing a vast subterranean dome hollowed from shimmering stone, the walls etched with ancient runes that pulsed in a gentle rhythm. It smelled of old incense, burning oils, and something deeper something alive. The pressure in the air was subtle but present, like the world itself was holding its breath.

In the center stood a man in a long steel-blue robe, his arms folded behind his back. His posture was calm, but his presence made several students straighten up instinctively.

"Welcome," the man said, his voice steady, clipped. "You are here because you have potential. But potential is worthless unless you make something of it."

His pale golden hair was tied in a low knot, and faint scars crossed his knuckles. He was not a warrior by appearance but something about him made even the most confident students stay silent.

"I am Instructor Ronin Voss, and today... you begin your path as cultivators."

***

The students stood in a wide circle around a low dais. The symbol of the Academy was carved into the center now glowing faintly as streams of invisible Qi drifted through the chamber.

"Before you can cultivate, you must understand what it is you're doing," Voss continued. "You were born with a core a latent spark of energy, buried deep within you. You've never felt it, because the world suppresses it. That's your first opponent existence itself."

He paced, each step echoing lightly.

"You will start in the First Realm but only if you can shatter the seal within. That is where your Domain will form: a separate, internal world born from your elemental nature and spirit. From there, you will shape your path."

A murmur passed between some of the students.

"Every cultivator's Domain is unique.

His eyes held a focus like snow under sun cold, but burning.

"Listen closely," he said. "Cultivation is not magic. It is not a gift. It is war against yourself, against the world, and eventually, against fate."

He raised his hand, and a massive circular diagram lit up behind him, segmented and intricate.

Voss walked before the glowing wheel of stages.

"There are 25 Realms of cultivation. The first ten are unnamed. We call them the Mortal Realms. You will start at the First."

He gestured, and a segment pulsed.

"To begin, you must awaken the Qi core buried in your body sealed by natural laws and untapped since birth. Once shattered, you will form your Internal Domain a miniature world, isolated from ours, shaped by your soul and affinity."

Gasps passed through some of the younger students.

"Your Domain is not a weapon. Not yet. It is a foundation. But once created, it allows you to gather Qi, refine your body, and grow."

"Realms One through Ten are about building your root. Nothing else."

Another pulse. Eleven new segments bloomed in gold.

"From Realm Eleven onward, names return. These are the Immortal Realms beginning with the Law Seed Realm and ending at Cosmic Genesis."

And at last, six shining pillars flickered at the top.

"Above that… the Divine Realms. Realms 20 to 25. Reserved for legends. You may never reach them, but that is no excuse not to try."

***

Mistress Kim stepped forward again.

"Now that you know what path lies ahead… you must choose a direction."

Behind her, three banners unfurled, each marked with the symbol of one of FrostVale's internal sects.

The Frozen Blade Sect – For those who seek to temper their spirit through combat, precision, and discipline.

The Verdant Soul Sect – A path of harmony with nature, spirit beasts, and elemental resonance.

The Dawnfire Sect – A path for seekers of understanding focused on the mysteries of Qi manipulation, runes, and spiritual arts.

"These are the Three Great Sects of FrostVale."

Kim's voice was resolute.

"You may train under them, live among them, and rise through their ranks. But today, you must first earn the right to choose."

Each student was led to a meditative stone circle, surrounded by runes and Qi stones to assist in their awakening. Ronin Voss moved between them, correcting posture, calming breath, and ensuring no one forced their breakthrough recklessly.

Guren inhaled slowly, cross-legged and still. He felt it a small, flickering pressure deep inside him.

He focused not on power, or glory, but on clarity.

His core trembled. His breath stopped.

Crack.

It broke.

Qi surged into him like a quiet tide, and his internal world expanded a Domain of shadowed stone and distant stars above a broken land. Three monuments rose in silence, not yet active, but watching. He felt the hum of possibility echo through his bones.

Early Stage, First Realm.

He opened his eyes, sweat on his brow, but steady.

Across the chamber, Scott Kawski leaned forward, calm as ever, a lazy grin on his lips as his Domain formed structured, luminous, and surprisingly vast for a first awakening.

Ronin paused behind him, eyes narrowing ever so slightly.

"Early Stage, First Realm," he murmured. "But nearly... Mid."

Scott cracked a knuckle.

"Guess I've still got it. Damn."

Out of the 12 students, nine broke through. The others would try again later, with the Academy's help.

As the lights dimmed, Mistress Kim raised her hand.

"Tomorrow, you will visit the three sects. Listen well. Observe. Then choose."

"Your real cultivation begins then."

To be Continued.